Over forty runners and supporters congratulated the 2026 The Grove 10km Handicap Champion, Jared Mackie with trophy presented by Club President, Paul Tilse

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Sunday 17^th May

Perfect running conditions greeted competitors at the Mackay Road Runners 30km Northview Gardens Club Championship, despite humidity developing from the mild 6am start.

Course Director Andrew Short was commended for setting up the well-marked 30km, 15km and 5km courses, with members also receiving a course map from club secretary Julie Whibley ahead of race day.

The demanding 30km event tested runners’ endurance, with Ryan Murray producing an outstanding performance to claim gold after taking an early lead ahead of Jonathan Davies, Shane Donnollan and Clinton Mackie. In the women’s event, Rhiann Massey broke away from Mel Esau and Emily Hayles in the second half of the race to secure first place and maximum club championship points.

Strong performances also came from Jose Short, Bianca Miles, Fran March, Damian Rutland, Hamish Donnollan, Ted Thayer, Greame Harris, Mel Harris and Judy Zahn.

The club also thanked volunteers who assisted with registration, timing, water stations, course set up and pack down, and the barbecue.

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Sunday 24^th May

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More than 40 runners and supporters gathered at The Grove Tavern, Andergrove, on Sunday afternoon for the Mackay Road Runners’ annual historic 10km Handicap Trophy event.

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With 2025 winner Justin Rule unable to attend, the trophy was delivered by the Mackie family before Jared Mackie produced an outstanding performance to claim the prestigious title. The long-running event, which has been part of the Mackay Road Runners calendar since the early 1990s, sees members start on their official club handicap, with the first runner across the line crowned champion.

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Mackie impressed against a quality field that included ultramarathon runner Paul MacKenzie, who had completed a 100-mile event in Katoomba the previous weekend.

In the 5km event, Ross Connor crossed first based on handicapped starts, while Lily Leven was first female and second overall ahead of Natasha Joynson, Craig Joynson and Kayla Waugh.

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The club thanked The Grove Tavern for its ongoing support through use of the venue and donation of tavern vouchers for post-race random draw prizes.

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Mackay Road Runners now turn their attention to the internationally recognised BMA Mackay Marina Run on June 7, with one remaining club event and weekly training sessions continuing at the ARC, Ooralea.

Contributed by Janelle Tisle

See all the photos here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/road-runner-results-17th-24th

Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Saleh-Medows, Mackay State High School Head of Department of Sporting Academies Zach Schill and Head Coach of the Gold Coast Titans (NRL) Josh Hannay.

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A new partnership between Gold Coast Titans and Mackay State High School was officially launched this week, marking what school leaders described as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for rugby league pathways in the Mackay region.

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The announcement was celebrated on school grounds alongside students, families, coaches and staff, with Titans Head Coach Josh Hannay and Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating visiting the school to speak with players and mentoring staff.

The visit included program discussions with Mackay State High’s rugby league coaching staff, as well as a question-and-answer session with students involved in the school’s sporting programs.

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Head of Department of Sporting Academies in HPE at Mackay State High School Zach Schill said discussions surrounding the partnership had been ongoing for several months, with both organisations focused on ensuring the collaboration had genuine long-term purpose.

“Today is very exciting. We’ve got to announce our partnership with the Gold Coast Titans,” Mr Schill said.

“It’s been a few months in the making now.  

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“We didn’t want to rush into something and just have it be a placeholder, we wanted to have real meaning and make sure that what the Titans want to do and what we want to do as a school are aligned.”

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Mr Schil said the involvement of Josh Hannay, who comes from the region, had been instrumental in helping establish the partnership.

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“He was very passionate about getting into this area, but doing it the right way,” he said.

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“I think that’s been exemplified by him flying up here in the middle of the NRL season. He doesn’t have to do that, but he’s gone out of his way to come here and speak to our students and give time to our staff.”

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Mr Schill also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for regional students, saying travel demands and distance often placed country athletes at a disadvantage compared with metropolitan schools.

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Titans Pathways Manager Matthew Keating said the partnership grew through conversations with Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts and a shared vision for developing rugby league opportunities for both male and female students.

“It’s an exciting new venture for the football club as well as the school,” Mr Keating said.

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He said the program aimed to provide students and coaches with greater exposure to high-level rugby league development and football education.

Students Cooper Forster and Hayden Murry, both in Year 11, spoke with gratitude and excitement about what the partnership means for young athletes across regional Queensland, describing it as a rare pathway into elite-level opportunity from a local setting.

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“It’s pretty exciting for me, coming from a small regional town. All I’ve wanted to do is play footy my entire life,” Cooper said.

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“Most of us never get to meet NRL coaches, let alone get trained by them every now and then.”

“I’ve been playing rugby league since under 12, so about six years now. It’s the best part of my life.”

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Hayden Murray shared a similar passion for the game, reflecting on how early it became part of his life and identity.  

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“I’ve been playing footy since I was really little, probably prep or around six years old.”

“I just love playing footy and going up and playing with mates. It’s the competitiveness and rivalry against other teams — that’s what I enjoy most.”

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As a former student of Mackay State High School, Cowboys Challenge Head Coach Tyreeq Salleh-Meadows reflected on his connection to the school and the importance of giving back to the next generation.

“Being a former student here, I really hold it very close to my heart,” he said.

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“Coming through as a player and also a student, I’ve learned a lot from my previous mentors.”

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“Being able to give back to these young players and young athletes, and seeing their drive and willingness to learn, it really shows how determined we are to flip the school culture and get it back on track.”

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“This partnership with the Titans gives an unreal opportunity for these young athletes to really blossom and develop and actually show their character and what they’re wanting to achieve within rugby league.”

During the event, Titans mentors also spoke to families and players about balancing school and sport, encouraging students to take pride in their school, value teamwork and appreciate the support of teachers, coaches and parents.

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School representatives described the partnership as only the beginning, with hopes the collaboration will help strengthen rugby league development pathways for Mackay students into the future.

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Photo supplied

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What a fantastic day out on the water for the second running of the Abell Point Yacht Club’s iconic Warri Cup Yacht Race in Airlie Beach last Sunday.

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The day broke bright and sunny with a perfect forecast top of 24 degrees and unlike the first attempt back in April, Sunday’s conditions were absolutely glorious.  SSE winds of around 13–17 knots throughout the day created ideal racing conditions and the fleet certainly made the most of it.

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The boats got away cleanly through the start line in their 3 divisions before flying across towards Langford Reef, rounding the island and making their way back home in some spectacular sailing conditions.

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Division 1 Multihulls - First over the line was Fangarang, followed closely by Barefoot and G’Nome.  On corrected time however, Trojan claimed the win, followed by G’Nome and Fangarang.

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Division 2 Mono’s with Spinnakers - Reignition came flying over the line with Smooth Criminal hot on their tail, followed by Treasure VIII.  Corrected time honours went to Dragonfly, Treasure VIII and Keep on Running.

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Division 3 Monohulls non spinnakers - Major sponsor Peter Harrison of Quadrant Marine aboard his Fast 42 Awesome, was first back in with Fordplay right behind and Team Matchless following, but on corrected time the winners were Alwyn, Fordplay and Awesome.

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With blue skies, steady breeze and an outstanding fleet on the water, the Warri Cup well and truly delivered on its second attempt, showcasing not only some fantastic racing but also the wonderful camaraderie and spirit of the local sailing community. The Abell Point Yacht Club now looks forward to building on the success of this year’s event and welcoming everyone back again in 2027.

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Contributed with thanks to Abell Point Yatch Club

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TUESDAY 18/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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MEN :

Winner : Simon Briley 36 points  

R/Up : Gary Scotford 35 points

NTPs : Aaron Prosser (2^nd), Luke Wayth (13^th)

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LADIES :

Winner : Rehab Hull 37 points

R/Up : Robyn Whitham 30 points

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VETS : Stableford

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LADIES :

Winner : Rehab Hull 37 points

R/Up : Robyn Whitham 30 points

3^rd : Linda Wardroper 29 points

NTPs : Elspeth Scotford (x2), Linda Wardroper (x2), Rehab Hull

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MEN :

Winner : Gary Scotford 35 points

R/Up : Warren Deighton 34 points

3^rd : Bill Brownlie 32 points (C/B) from Vic Feldman

NTPs : Warren Deighton, Allen Roberts, John Roser, David Woods (x2), John Oates

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WEDNESDAY 20/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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LADIES :

Winner : Toni Clauss 34 points

R/Up : Tina Badenhorst 30 points (C/B)

3^rd : Elspeth Scotford

NTPs : Ann Gardel (9^th), Elspeth Scotford (13^th)

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THURSDAY 21/5/26

PGC - Stableford

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MEN :

A Grade :

Winner : Brent Daniels 40 points

R/Up : Perri Simpson 36 points (C/B)

3^rd : Mark Astley (Ballina GC)  

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B Grade :

Winner : John Roser 36 points

R/Up : John Dodds 34 points (C/B)

3^rd : Wilf Herweg

NTPs : Gary Scotford (2^nd & 9^th), Ben Harrison (13^th), Adam Hosie (16^th)

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FRIDAY 22/5/26

Stableford 9 hole Run kindly sponsored by the

Metropole Hotel : Back 9

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Winner : Shirley Larsen 21 points

R/up : Elise Hodgson 19 points

3^rd Brent Franke (16^th)

NTPs : Brent Franke 18 points

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SATURDAY 23/5/26

Stableford : kindly sponsored by Haymans

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MEN :

A Grade :

Winner : Adam Hosie 39 points

R/Up : Brent Franke 36 points (C/B)

3^rd : Cory O’Shea

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B Grade :

Winner : Kech Williams 38 points

R/Up : Luke Andrews 37 points (C/B)

3^rd : Steven Hall

NTPs : Daniel O’Donnell (2^nd), Rob Stanley (9^th & 16^th), Glenn Lee (13^th)

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LADIES :

Winner : Elspeth Scotford 41 points

R/Up : Chorus Andrews 39 points

3^rd : Rehab Hull 37 points

NTPs : Sara Hagy (2^nd), Peta Thomas (9^th)

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SUNDAY 24/5/26

May MM kindly sponsored by KJC

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MEN :

Winner : Logan Snow 64 nett

R/Up : Aaron Prosser 69 nett

NTPs :Brent Franke (9^th) Aaron Prosser (13^th), Jake Murray (16^th)

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LADIES :

Winner : Penny Wardroper 68 nett

NTPs : Elise Hodgson (9^th)

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* * *

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Another huge week in paradise at our little bowls club, with Tuesday afternoon bowls seeing much excitement as Ladies’, Men’s A, B and Senior Singles moved into the last four, and all pairs, triples and fours nearing completion.

Wednesday afternoon saw 20 bowlers vying for the winner’s prize, with two games of triples and two games of pairs. The biggest winning margin went to skipper Arthur McManus, with second Glen O’Brien and lead, new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, all playing like a team with outstanding results and an 11-point winning margin. Great effort.

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Wednesday night saw Business House bowls, brilliantly run by Bobby Spees and his wife Yvonne, a very special couple. Ten teams occupied five rinks, and once again, although in a new team, Cathy Russell leading Clearwater Catering achieved a brilliant win and remains unbeaten. All games were close, and everyone enjoyed the chicken burgers at the finish.

Friday afternoon saw Christian College students thoroughly enjoying and improving their bowling skills, especially Elliana Langshore and Miranda Jackson. Although only in Year 8, they are showing fantastic potential. We will have exciting playoffs to determine who will represent the Whitsundays in the upcoming Queensland Schools Tournament.

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Division 1 and Division 4 played at home on Saturday, with Manny Isgro’s team winning 21–13, Joan McGrath’s team winning 21–13 also, and John Fielding’s team winning 29–17, giving Airlie a 71–43 victory against a very strong side and last season’s champions, Northern Beaches. Luke Kinnear, Andrew Butler, and Alan Pershouse all deserve special mention.

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The Division 4 team, led by skipper Des Ballance, with superb teamwork, won 25–16. However, David Dias and his team lost 9–30 to North Mackay.

Division 2 lost to Mackay City, with Carol Crosbie’s team winning 24–20.

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Sunday pennants saw Division 1 away at Sarina Bowls Club, with John Fielding’s 21–20 win being the only winning rink.

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Division 2 against West Tigers lost, with only Ladda Purdie’s team drawing 17 all. West Tigers also played Division 4, and once again Des Ballance and his team were convincing winners 30–13, while David Dias’s team went down 20–19 in a last-bowl thriller. Division 4 is still leading the overall standings.

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This week’s photo shows the victorious Division 4 team, pictured from left: Tony Kelly, Sue Dakin, selector Warren Mills, Alma Rose Mawson, Mark Mawson, and David Dias proudly displaying the scoreboard.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Twenty nine players (9 ladies and 20 men) experienced a foggy start which then cleared to ideal golfing conditions. Congratulations to the ladies winner Rehab Hull and Gary Scotford for the men in the single Stableford event.

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We wish Heather a speedy recovery from her injury.

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A reminder that Wintersun entries are now open.

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RESULTS

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LADIES

Winner: Rehab Hull with 37 points

R/Up: Robyn Whitham with 30 points

Rundown: Linda Wardroper (29), Elspeth Scotford (28) and Helen Deighton (26)

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MEN

Winner: Gary Scotford with 35 points

R/Up:  Warren Deighton with 34 points

Rundown: William Brownlie (32), Vic Feldman (32), John Oates, Louis Neethling and Peter Lindsay all on 31 points, Allen Roberts (30), David Woods (30) and Ken Granger (29)

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PIN SHOTS

Ladies: A Grade - Elspeth Scotford (x2)

              B Grade - Linda Wardroper (x2) and Rehab Hull

Men: A Grade - Warren Deighton, Allen Roberts and John Roser

           B Grade - David Woods (x2) and John Oates

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CHIP INS 

Linda Wardroper and Peter Lindsay

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NAGAs 

for a ball each Kath Borer and Neil Cawthorne

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DRAWS:

MEMBERSHIP draw to Helen Deighton

WEEKLY RAFFLE won by Kath Borer

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

26/5/26 - STABLEFORD

2/6/26 - JUNE 2026 Monthly Medal and count your putt

Contributed with thanks to John Roser

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Div 1 and 2 Men Photo supplied

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Whitsunday United FC teams enjoyed a dominant weekend across the grades, highlighted by emphatic wins and standout individual performances.

The Under-13 Premier side defeated Dolphins FC  5-2 after racing to a 3-0 halftime lead. Addie Sanders scored twice from Finlay Moss corners before Connor Miller added a long-range strike. Dolphins fought back in the second half, but Jack Reynolds restored the margin from another Moss assist, while Tommie Spratt sealed the result with a brilliant top-corner finish.

The U14/15 Division 1 side produced a stunning 10-0 win against Mackay Lions, led by Sam Hazelton’s four-goal haul, including a first-half hat-trick. Sam Crosby also bagged three goals, with Jackson Paroz and Rio Burkitt also adding to the total.

Whitsunday Women showed plenty of resilience despite a 3-0 loss to Magpies FC. Strong defensive work kept the opposition scoreless until late in the first half, with Lahni Henderson, Hayley, Deb and Nicole all impressing.

The Under-23s overwhelmed Dolphins FC 5-0. Aaron Kinsella scored a hat-trick, supported by goals from Arman Sabzgolin and Karim Bouhafa, while the side maintained control despite playing much of the match with 10 men following a red card to debutant Cian Gilson.

Premier Men also claimed a solid 8-2 victory over Dolphins FC. Ethan Rose scored a hat-trick, while Thomas Farnsworth netted twice after Whitsundays recovered strongly from an early red card. Goals from Ben Smith and Max O’Keefe sealed the win.

Division 2 Men drew 1-1 with City Brothers in a physical battle for a fair and even result, while Division 1 Men continued their winning streak with a commanding 9-0 triumph led by five goals from Hayden Vanderdrift and three from Nathan Sothmann.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe

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FRIDAY 29 MAY – ⚽ Whitsunday United FC Night Fixtures v Mackay Lions
• 6:00pm – Div 2 Men
• 8:00pm – Div 1 Men

SATURDAY 30 MAY – 🏉 AFL Sea Eagles v Saints
Five games across the day:
• 9:15am
• 10:40am
• 12:15pm
• 1:50pm
• 3:20pm

SATURDAY 30 MAY – ⚽ Whitsunday United FC v Mackay Lions
• 11:30am – U13 FQPL
• 11:30am – U14/15 Division 1
• 1:00pm – U14/15 FQPL
• 3:00pm – FQPL 3 Women
• 5:00pm – FQPL 3 Men U23
• 7:00pm – FQPL 3 Men

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Age Champs Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons recently celebrated the achievements of swimmers across the 2025/26 season at the club’s annual presentation evening, recognising dedication, improvement and success both in and out of the pool.

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One of the club’s most anticipated awards each year is the Age Champion title, determined by results from our Club Champs held in March. Congratulations to this year’s Age Champions: Lily Woolston and Cooper Konopka (7 Years & Under), Isla Johnston and Harry Chegwidden (8 Years), Miranda Palmero and Wilson Hounsell (9 Years), Eloise Chegwidden and Miller Eaves (10 Years), Mackenzie Bennett and Liam Filewood (11 Years), Celeste Orenshaw and Jax Clayworth (12 Years), Ruby Harland and Hamilton Anflous (13 Years), Roxy Groom and Thomas Ganter (14 Years), Tora Delac (15 Years), Dylan Reynolds (16 Years) and Tiana Bell (17 Years).

The Tassal - Most Improved by PBs Award recognised swimmers who achieved the most time improvements throughout the season in the Cannons’ home pool. Congratulations to Lily Woolston, Cooper Konopka, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Mackenzie Bennet, Zavier Woolston, Roxanne Groom and Thomas Ganter on their impressive improvements.

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Several swimmers were also acknowledged for achieving all club upgrade times across every stroke and distance — a significant milestone requiring consistency and determination throughout the season. Congratulations to Celeste Orenshaw, Ruby Harland, Roxanne Groom and Hamilton Anfalous on this outstanding accomplishment.

The Coaches Trainer Awards also highlighted swimmers who demonstrated dedication, consistency and effort within training sessions across the entire season. Congratulations to Joshua Ketchup (Junior Trainer), Miranda Palmero and Eric Mullins (Development Trainers), and Ruby Harland, Liam Filewood and Zavier Woolston (Advanced Trainers).

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The Cannonvale Cannons are incredibly proud of every swimmer recognised during the presentations, with these awards reflecting the hard work, persistence and team spirit shown throughout another successful season in the pool. More award presentations to follow next week.

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Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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Photos supplied

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Bowen Tennis Association is proud to share the success of their pickleball players who competed in the Queensland Pickleball Tour in Townsville on 16^th to 18^th May.

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Ten Bowen players participated, some of whom partnered with Cannonvale/Proserpine players, in doubles and mixed events.  Some players also competed in singles events.  Successful players came home with a range of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

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It was a fantastic experience for all involved and a great reflection of the growing pickleball community in Bowen.

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Pickleball is played at the courts at Queens Beach alongside tennis, with weekly sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons.  Coaching is available for newcomers.

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If you’ve been curious about pickleball, now is the time to get involved!  All ages and abilities are welcome.  Go along to a session, or contact Bowen Tennis Association via:

Email – bowentennis@gmail.com

Facebook – Bowen Tennis Association Facebook page.

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Contributed with thanks to Walter Morris

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Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Brahmans faced off against the South Sharks at Whitsunday Sports Park in what turned into another massive day of rugby league, with thousands packing the grounds to create the ultimate Sunday footy atmosphere.

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The Under 20s kicked the day off early and continued their impressive form with a strong 22-10 victory over the Sharks. Somè Wolf was electric through the middle, crossing for a hat-trick in one of his best performances of the season so far, while fullback and rising star Levi Deveigne added another meat pie of his own.  

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The women were next to take the field in the tough midday heat against a strong, experienced and resilient Sharks outfit. From the opening whistle the Sharks showed why they are one of the competition’s benchmark sides, but the Brahmans women never stopped competing. Shirley Luke crossed for the Brahmans’ lone try in what proved to be their toughest game of the season so far, with the final score finishing 49-6. Despite the result, the girls showed exactly what the club culture is built on — resilience, pride and heart.  

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Reserve Grade then delivered one of the games of the day in a high-energy clash against a ferocious Sharks side. The match was a try-for-try battle throughout the opening stages, with neither side willing to give an inch. Crowd favourite Trent Pikinga put on an absolute show, crossing for a hat-trick as the Brahmans attack began to fire. It wasn’t until the second half that the Brahmans managed to break away, taking control of the game and leaving the Sharks chasing points. The Brahmans eventually ran out 40-26 winners in another statement performance from the side.  

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In A Grade, the Brahmans faced their toughest challenge yet against last year’s premiers, Ben Barba’s Sharks side, who travelled down to the Whitsundays ready for a battle.  

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Despite battling until the final minute, the Brahmans ultimately suffered one of their biggest losses of the season, going down 40-8 after coming into the clash off two straight wins. Coach Bateup said the game highlighted just how tough the competition is this season and believes the loss will only motivate the group further.

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“It shows just how tough this competition really is,” Bateup said. “We know what we need to work on and we’ll come back harder than ever. The boys are heading into the bye rounds now, so we’ve got two weeks to reset, improve and build from this performance.”

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At the end of the day it finished with two wins and two losses for the Brahmans across the grades, capping off what was an incredible afternoon of rugby league at Whitsunday Sports Park.

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While Reserve Grade and A Grade head into a bye this weekend, footy continues at home for the club this Saturday. The Women’s side will face the Mackay Brothers, while the Under 20s take on the Norths Devils. The Whitsunday Brahmans Under 17s will open the day against the Brothers Bulldogs in another exciting afternoon of local rugby league.

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Kick-off begins from 3pm this Saturday, May 30, at Les Stagg Oval.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Brahmans

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6349   T. Johnston, R. Hughes, C. McBride, P. Roots.

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The annual Harvest Triples competition was held at the Marian Bowls Club on Monday, May 11th, welcoming sixteen teams from across the district.

President Thelma Johnston greeted players as they arrived for the popular event, which saw bowlers enjoy a day of friendly rivalry despite continuous showers throughout the day.

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The wet weather did little to dampen spirits, with plenty of laughter and camaraderie shared across the greens.

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A cent sale and raffles were well supported by the attending bowlers, while Joan Vickers donated a beautiful orchid for the lucky door prize.

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With only three points separating the top three teams, the competition proved to be closely contested.

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Results were as follows:

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1st Place: C. McBride, Penny Roots, Rita Hughes
2nd Place: Lyn Tungate, Pauline Turchett, Margaret Egerton
3rd Place: Doris Fry, Judith Miller, Thelma Johnston

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Contributed by Judith Miller

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Winners - Aquila (Front Row L to R) - Mitchell Bird, Carl Schultz (vice - captain), Nick Doherty (captain), and Vincent Fitzgerald.

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Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) has brought together some of the state’s most capable mines rescue teams for the 21st QMRS Memorial Cup, held at the QMRS Dysart Rescue Station on 7th May 2026.

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Now in its 21st year, the Memorial Cup continues to honour the legacy of those who have shaped mines rescue in Queensland, while giving teams the opportunity to demonstrate the specialist skills, discipline and teamwork that underpin strong emergency response capability across the sector.

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Teams representing Oaky North, Aquila, Broadmeadow, Centurion, Crinum, Ensham and Ironbark No.1 competed throughout the day in a series of real-world emergency scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure and strengthen operational readiness across the industry. The top four teams will now progress to the State Rescue Competition in August.

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QMRS Chief Executive Officer Tim Jackson said the event plays a key role in maintaining preparedness.

“Events like the Memorial Cup are about building capability and making sure our people are ready when it matters,” he said.

“The scenarios are designed to test teams under pressure, and the standard on display reflects the strength of mines rescue across Queensland.”

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Aquila Mine took out top honours, followed by Oaky North Mine and Ironbark Mine. Awards for the George Carbine Perpetual Trophy for Best First Aid and the QMRS Fire Fighting Excellence Award in memory of Ramsay Wells were both awarded to Aquila.

Captain of the winning team, Nicholas Doherty, said the result reflected strong preparation and teamwork.

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"This result reflects the standard across all teams that competed. The scenarios are built around real incidents, so every decision counts. For us, it comes down to discipline, communication and trust in each other. This win is a credit to the work the team has put in and the support behind us. More importantly, it is about making sure we are ready when it matters.”

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Aquila Mine General Manager Braedon Smith said the result reflected sustained effort and team development.

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“Winning the QMRS Memorial Cup is a proud moment for our Aquila team members and recognition of the hard work, discipline and commitment they have shown building capacity together as a relatively new team,” he said.

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“This result did not happen overnight. Our team has trained consistently, backed each other in every scenario, and built strong trust and teamwork along the way. Mines rescue competitions test the skills, communication and decision making that make a real difference should an emergency situation occur either on site or in the community.”

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QMRS acknowledged the support of its industry partners, with the Memorial Cup made possible through contributions from FRSA, 3M, Dräger, Fire Response, Performance Training, MSA, PIP, Simtars, Blackwoods and Lunar Mining, as well as the efforts of staff, district assessors, team marshals, patients, assistants and supporters who helped deliver the event.

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Barry Patterson. Photo supplied

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Over the weekend of 8th–10th May, Mackay Table Tennis Association was proud to host the Queensland Northern Veterans and Mackay Open Tournament, welcoming more than 100 players from across the State, who travelled from Cairns to the Gold Coast to compete in the event.  

The weekend featured both Aged and Rated events and showcased an incredible range of competitors, from our youngest junior player at just 7 years old to our oldest veteran player at 85 years old.

For the first time in several years, we crowned new Men’s and Women’s Open Singles Champions. Alan Walsh from Townsville defeated Paul Green from Mackay to claim the Men’s Open title, while Crismi Lovera fought back strongly against Andrea McDonnell, with both players representing Townsville, to secure the Women’s Open title.

Mackay Table Tennis Association would like to sincerely thank everyone who travelled, competed, umpired, and assisted throughout the weekend, along with the wonderful referees whose efforts helped make the tournament a success. A special thank you also goes to all the sponsors who generously donated prize money and raffle prizes to the Club — your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Tuesday Night Fixtures

Division 1: Curlews (Barry Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Anne Sheridan) just got home against Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graeme Walker, Graham Brake) 6-5.  Barry won a very close battle with Graham B (-6,6,-13,10,9). What an exceptional 5 Sets!  Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 6-5 over Geese (Steven Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent), no 5 set matches but some very close games.  Canaries (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Yilin Jiang) defeated Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards, Syed Hossain).

Division 2: Doves (Daniel Warfield, John McGee, Will VanDeKaa) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Peter Goodson, Ricky Zhan) 6-5 with a good 5 set doubles match between John and Daniel coming home against Rod and Ricky to win (-3,7,-12,8,3).  Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta) won 9-2 against Kites (Matt West, Tiffany Camilleri, Simon Hogan), Andrea found her groove in the 5 set to win over Matt (-8,3,4,-7,6).  Galahs (Donna Abbott, Remy Zhan) beat Parrots (George Camilleri, Darryl Ross) 5-3, George got his monies worth with 2 big 5 set matches, he lost to Donna but came out and snuck home against Remy (-9,7,-8,7,12)

Division 3 are still playing in there groups with the leader board changing often.

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Tuesday Morning Fixtures  

Division 1: Orion Orbitors (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) defeated Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir), Peter overcome John in 5 sets (9,4,-9,-9,4).  Eclipse Spin (Branko Vucurovic, Kevin Abbott, Darryl Ross) won 8-4 against Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Veronica Needham, Bryan Marshall), Kevin got the better of Veronica N (-9,11,-7,5,6).

Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) overcome Ninja Strikes (Ken Best, Frank Caruana, Chris Collins) 10-2, Helen outlasted Chris in 5 sets (-8,-8,1,10,7). Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise Gould, Josie Davis) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Coral Morgan, Robyn Bushell) 7-5, Kim overcome John in close 5 sets (16,-5,-9,11,10).

Division 3: Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) won 7-5 Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Madge Saunders), Myles overcome Sharon in 5 sets (7,9,-8,-7,7).  Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Kuene, Pam Kuene) defeated Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Glenda Dutton, Thelma Caruana) 11-1, Pam outlasted Gerry in close battle (7,-8,8,-3,7).  

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Contributed by Andrea Payne

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Barry Patterson. Photo supplied

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The 30^th Barrier Reef Contract Bridge Congress was played in Townville last week. Players travelled from all over the state to compete. Five pairs of Mackay players received coveted Red points in the Walkins. Noel Saunders and Martin Pearce won the Novice Pairs (Gold points) with Team Morris – Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Jan Harris and Helen Van Den Broek placed second in the Restricted Team event, also Gold points. All Mackay players competed well and received a percentage of Red or Gold points.  

Weekly Results  

Monday 11 May 2026 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points  

N/S

E/W

1^st

Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell

1^st

Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden

2^nd

Monica Darley / Joy Block

2^nd

Sandy Patterson / Karen Caldwell

3^rd

Faith Hutchinson / Mary Jane Marsh

3^rd

Diane Stokes / Edward Kliese

Tuesday Evening 12 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

Ken Seaniger / Ann Whitmore

3^rd

Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott

4^th

Vicki Howard / Richard Wix

Wednesday 13 May 2026 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes

1^st

Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell

2^nd

Bob Ellis / Susan Wright

2^nd

Andrew Canavan / Kath Poole

3^rd

Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

3^rd

Geoff Taylor / Ian Vary

4^th

Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

4^th

Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen

Thursday Evening 14 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points

1^st

Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott

2^nd

Griffin Bancroft / Mick King

3^rd

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 8 May 2026 –- 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

1^st

Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2^nd

Monica Darley / Barbara Tait

2^nd

Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell

3^rd

Joyce Deguara / Shirley Worland

3^rd

Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 9 May 2026 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

1^st

Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden

2^nd

Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

2^nd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

3^rd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2^nd

Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4^th

Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris

4^th

Errol Morris / Ian Gaskell

5^th

Gwen Liddell / Julie O’Neill

5^th

Anne Lutz / Ian Vary

Contributed by Joy Block

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